Framed Aldous Huxley ALS

One page, ink on hole-punched paper, dated March 15, 1953, addressed from Huxley's home at 740 N. King's Rd. in Los Angeles, and written to Dr. Holt, stating: "You are probably right about 'alternative' - tho' I suspect that many people have used it incorrectly, as a mere synonym of 'choice,' 'possibility', where more than two roads presented themselves. Vivekananda would be quite beyond me - if only because of my luck of first-hand knowledge of Bengali life & habits of thought & feeling. As for Ramakrishna - there is always the admirable 'M.' Sincerely Aldous Huxley"; presented in a black frame.

DOA 12 7/8 x 10 3/8 in.

Aldous Huxley (1894-1963) was a writer and philosopher, perhaps best known for his novel Brave New World. He became interested in Hindu philosophy which was introduced to the U.S. by Swami Vivekananda (disciple of Ramakrishna) during his visit in the late 19th century. While Huxley was born in England, he spent the last three decades of his life in Los Angeles where Vedanta became an important part of his life; he was involved with the Vedanta Society of Southern California, wrote the foreword for The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna as well as the introduction for the Vedanta Society's edition of the Bhagavad Gita, and wrote The Perennial Philosophy which brings different religious traditions together in one book. The "M" at the end of the letter likely refers to Mahendranath Gupta who wrote The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna under the pseudonym "M."

Creases and general wear from a once folded and mailed letter, with expected light toning and a few small tears and edge chips; a separation at a fold and a tear both with taped repairs, as well as a piece of tape visible at the top edge; an area of thinned paper and a small loss at "King's" in the address; small photo of Huxley ca. 1953 pasted to the letter in the upper right corner by previous owner; not laid down.